Wednesday, December 29, 2010

12/29/2010 9:00am City of Sierra Madre – Important Weather Information

Green Flag Alert

The City of Sierra Madre has issued a Green Flag Alert for mudslides and debris flows in the hillside communities on Tuesday, December 28th. The National Weather Service has forecasted 100% chance of precipitation for today and the Green Flag Alert remains in effect until further notice. Affected residents should get “READY” for potential evacuation. This includes keeping a close watch on weather forecasts. Should the County of Los Angeles Public Works Department issue a “Phase 1” or “Phase 2” mudflow forecast, the City will issue a Yellow Flag or Red Flag alert and this will include parking restrictions in the upper and lower canyon areas and may also include evacuation orders.

For more information about debris flow preparations, please visit www.cityofsierramadre.com and click “Emergency Preparedness Information” on the home page.

High Wind Warning

The National Weather Service has issued a High Wind Warning for the San Gabriel Valley. This warning will be in effect from 3:00pm this afternoon until noon tomorrow. Damaging winds are expected mainly in and near the foothills. Potential impacts: With the soil loosened by recent heavy rains, trees will be more easily uprooted by the strong winds. The very strong winds will be capable of producing downed power lines and causing power outages.

Stay clear of all downed lines and report any hazards to the Sierra Madre Police Department.

Sierra Madre Police Department: 626-355-1414 (911 for emergencies).

Updates will be issued on SMTV3 (Time Warner-channel 3), Sierra Madre Community Radio (AM 1630), and the City’s Emergency Blog (http://sierramadrepio.blogspot.com).

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

The City of Sierra Madre has issued a Green Flag Alert for mudslides and debris flows in the hillside communities. The National Weather Service has forecasted an 80% chance of precipitation this evening and rising to a 100% of precipitation for tomorrow.

A Green Flag Alert is issued when there is an 80% chance or more of precipitation. Affected residents should get ready for potential evacuation and keep close watch on weather forecasts. This includes residents of the Upper and Lower Canyon as well as any resident whose property abuts the hillsides.

As we enter the rain season, the City would like to make residents aware of our mud and debris flow alert system.

Due to the Santa Anita fire in April of 2008, the hillsides where stripped of much of the vegetation causing the potential for mud and debris flows to enter residential areas. The City of Sierra Madre has developed a three-color flag alert system as part of its ‘Ready for Seven’ emergency preparedness program.

A series of three different colored flags will be flown at four different locations in the City (City Hall, Search and Rescue Station, Mountain Trail at Churchill Road, and Mary’s Market). When possible, flags will be displayed indicating one of three stages of emergency. Be sure to check the website, email alerts, SMTV3, AM 1630, or simply call City Hall or the Police Department to confirm the current stage of emergency and please understand the City may not always have the ability to change these flags the moment conditions or forecasts change.

The City has identified a number of streets that will need to be clear of all vehicles during a Yellow Flag or Red Flag alert. The affected streets are: Mount Wilson Trail, Churchill Road, Skyland Drive, Fern Glen, Fern Drive, Idlehour Lane, Canyon Crest Drive, Orange Drive, Woodland Drive, Brookside Lane, Sturtevant Drive, Sunnyside Lane, and Yucca Trail. The Yellow and Red Flag Alerts will trigger vehicles being towed from these streets at the owners’ expense.

Stage One: GREEN FLAG - Activated under a prediction of 80% - 100% chance of precipitation. Affected residents should get “READY” for potential evacuation. This includes keeping a close watch on weather forecasts.

Stage Two: YELLOW FLAG - Activated with an LA County Phase 1 mudflow forecast. This is described as small, isolated debris and mudflows possible at specific locations. Affected residents should get “SET” to leave their homes and may choose to voluntarily evacuate. Please note that all vehicles must be off the streets in potential mudflow areas during Yellow Flag alerts.

Stage Three: RED FLAG - Activated with an LA County Phase 2 or 3 forecast. Phase 2 includes moderate debris and mudflows at more widespread locations. Phase 3 - the potential exists for significant debris and mudflows to be widespread. Affected residents should “GO”, meaning they should immediately evacuate, and vehicles should not be parked on the streets.

When evacuating, please plan to be as self-sufficient as possible with important paperwork, medications, and clothing for at least seven days. It is important anticipate a possible evacuation order, and make plans for your pets in advance.

Please note that Public Safety Officials do not take evacuation orders lightly and residents should heed these orders. Once mud begins to flow, Emergency Responders will NOT rescue those who failed to evacuate until the mud has stopped flowing and it is safe for responders to enter the mud flow areas.

For more information about mudslide and debris flow preparations, please visit www.cityofsierramadre.com and click “Emergency Preparedness Information” and on the home page. Updates will also be issued on SMTV3 (Time Warner-channel 3), Sierra Madre Community Radio (AM 1630), and the City’s Emergency Blog (http://sierramadrepio.blogspot.com).

Saturday, December 25, 2010

The City of Sierra Madre has issued a Green Flag Alert for mudslides and debris flows in the hillside communities. The National Weather Service has forecasted a 90% chance of rain for this evening.

A Green Flag Alert is issued when there is an 80% chance or more of precipitation. Affected residents should get ready for potential evacuation and keep close watch on weather forecasts. This includes residents of the Upper and Lower Canyon as well as any resident whose property abuts the hillsides.

As we enter the rain season, the City would like to make residents aware of our mud and debris flow alert system.

Due to the Santa Anita fire in April of 2008, the hillsides where stripped of much of the vegetation causing the potential for mud and debris flows to enter residential areas. The City of Sierra Madre has developed a three-color flag alert system as part of its ‘Ready for Seven’ emergency preparedness program.

A series of three different colored flags will be flown at four different locations in the City (City Hall, Search and Rescue Station, Mountain Trail at Churchill Road, and Mary’s Market). When possible, flags will be displayed indicating one of three stages of emergency. Be sure to check the website, email alerts, SMTV3, AM 1630, or simply call City Hall or the Police Department to confirm the current stage of emergency and please understand the City may not always have the ability to change these flags the moment conditions or forecasts change.

The City has identified a number of streets that will need to be clear of all vehicles during a Yellow Flag or Red Flag alert. The affected streets are: Mount Wilson Trail, Churchill Rd., Skyland Dr., Fern Glen, Fern Dr., Idlehour Ln., Canyon Crest Dr., Orange Dr., Woodland Dr., Brookside Lane, Sunnyside Lane, and Yucca Trail. The Yellow and Red Flag Alerts will trigger vehicles being towed from these streets at the owners’ expense.

Stage One: GREEN FLAG - Activated under a prediction of 80% - 100% chance of precipitation. Affected residents should get “READY” for potential evacuation. This includes keeping a close watch on weather forecasts.

Stage Two: YELLOW FLAG - Activated with an LA County Phase 1 mudflow forecast, or deemed consistent with the County’s forecast thresholds. This is described as small, isolated debris and mudflows possible at specific locations. Affected residents should get “SET” to leave their homes and may choose to voluntarily evacuate. Please note that all vehicles must be off the streets in potential mudflow areas during Yellow Flag alerts.

Stage Three: RED FLAG - Activated with an LA County Phase 2 or 3 forecast. Phase 2 includes moderate debris and mudflows at more widespread locations. Phase 3 - the potential exists for significant debris and mudflows to be widespread. Affected residents should “GO”, meaning they should immediately evacuate, and vehicles should not be parked on the streets.

When evacuating, please plan to be as self-sufficient as possible with important paperwork, medications, and clothing for at least seven days. It is important anticipate a possible evacuation order, and make plans for your pets in advance.

Please note that Public Safety Officials do not take evacuation orders lightly and residents should heed these orders. Once mud begins to flow, Emergency Responders will NOT rescue those who failed to evacuate until the mud has stopped flowing and it is safe for responders to enter the mud flow areas.

For more information about mudslide and debris flow preparations, please visit www.cityofsierramadre.com and click “Emergency Preparedness Information” and on the home page. Updates will also be issued on SMTV3 (Time Warner-channel 3), Sierra Madre Community Radio (AM 1630), and the City’s Emergency Blog (http://sierramadrepio.blogspot.com).

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Portions of the Sierra Madre have experienced small mudflows this afternoon in the northern most portions of the canyon. Public Works crews are prioritizing tasks to address situations to protect life and property first. Crews will work to clear public roads when it is safe to do so and equipment can be effectively used.

The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Warning for areas including the City of Sierra Madre. This Warning is in effect until 6:00pm this evening. Residents are instructed to not drive any vehicle into areas where the water covers the roadway. The water depth may be too great to allow your car to cross safely.

The City is currently at Green Flag Alert as the Los Angeles County of Public Works has rescinded their Phase 1 mudflow forecast. Please understand that a Green Flag Alert means that residents should be ready for evacuation and monitor weather developments closely. Very heavy rain and thunderstorms, like the City has experienced this afternoon, can happen with very little warning.

City of Sierra Madre’s Three-Color Flag Alert System:

GREEN FLAG - Activated under a prediction of 80% - 100% chance of precipitation. Affected residents should get “READY” for potential evacuation. This includes keeping a close watch on weather forecasts.

YELLOW FLAG - Activated with an LA County Phase 1 mudflow forecast, or deemed consistent with the County’s forecast thresholds. This is described as small, isolated debris and mudflows possible at specific locations. Affected residents should get “SET” to leave their homes and may choose to voluntarily evacuate. Please note that all vehicles must be off the streets in potential mudflow areas during Yellow Flag alerts.

RED FLAG - Activated with an LA County Phase 2 or 3 forecast. Phase 2 includes moderate debris and mudflows at more widespread locations. Phase 3 - the potential exists for significant debris and mudflows to be widespread. Affected residents should “GO”, meaning they should immediately evacuate, and vehicles should not be parked on the streets.

For more information about mudslide and debris flow preparations, please visit www.cityofsierramadre.com and click “Emergency Preparedness Information” on the home page. Updates will also be issued on SMTV3 (Time Warner-channel 3), Sierra Madre Community Radio (AM 1630), and the City’s Emergency Blog (http://sierramadrepio.blogspot.com).

The City of Sierra Madre has returned to a Green Flag Alert. The County of Los Angeles Public Works has rescinded the Phase 1 mudflow forecast. The National Weather Service is forecasting between 60 and 100% precipitation for the rest of today.

Parking restrictions have been lifted for all parts of the City.

City of Sierra Madre’s three-color Flag Alert System:

GREEN FLAG - Activated under a prediction of 80% - 100% chance of precipitation. Affected residents should get “READY” for potential evacuation. This includes keeping a close watch on weather forecasts.

YELLOW FLAG - Activated with an LA County Phase 1 mudflow forecast, or deemed consistent with the County’s forecast thresholds. This is described as small, isolated debris and mudflows possible at specific locations. Affected residents should get “SET” to leave their homes and may choose to voluntarily evacuate. Please note that all vehicles must be off the streets in potential mudflow areas during Yellow Flag alerts.

RED FLAG - Activated with an LA County Phase 2 or 3 forecast. Phase 2 includes moderate debris and mudflows at more widespread locations. Phase 3 - the potential exists for significant debris and mudflows to be widespread. Affected residents should “GO”, meaning they should immediately evacuate, and vehicles should not be parked on the streets.

For more information about mudslide and debris flow preparations, please visit www.cityofsierramadre.com and click “Emergency Preparedness Information” and on the home page. Updates will also be issued on SMTV3 (Time Warner-channel 3), Sierra Madre Community Radio (AM 1630), and the City’s Emergency Blog (http://sierramadrepio.blogspot.com).

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

The City of Sierra Madre remains at Yellow Flag Alert this evening. The County of Los Angeles Public Works Department has issued a Phase 1 Mudflow Forecast.

A Phase 1 indicates that small isolated debris and mudflows are possible at specific locations.

Streets may be flooded or blocked by debris. Woodland Drive, Skyland Drive, and other streets may be closed due to blockage. Should debris flows occur overnight, crews will begin clearing the following morning.

Parking restrictions are now in effect in the Upper and Lower Canyon during Yellow or Red Flag alerts. Vehicles parked on the streets may be towed at owner’s expense.

The City Public Works Department may determine that Upper Brookside Lane and the very northern portion of Woodland Drive will be closed and a temporary debris wall will be erected.

Residents in the affected areas are urged to be "set" to leave at a moment’s notice and may choose to voluntarily evacuate. In the event the City receives a Phase 2 or Phase 3 alert from the County, a Red Flag Alert will be issued that will most likely include mandatory evacuation orders. Evacuated residents will not be allowed to return into an evacuation area until the order is lifted.

Sunday, December 19, 2010

The City of Sierra Madre remains at Green Flag Alert. However, the City is monitoring information from the County of Los Angeles Public Works department and would like residents to be aware that a “Phase 1” Mudflow Forecast may be issued. The National Weather Service has forecasted 80%-100% precipitation through Wednesday.

GREEN FLAG - Activated under a prediction of 80% - 100% chance of precipitation. Affected residents should get “READY” for potential evacuation. This includes keeping a close watch on weather forecasts.

YELLOW FLAG - Activated with an LA County Phase 1 mudflow forecast, or deemed consistent with the County’s forecast thresholds. This is described as small, isolated debris and mudflows possible at specific locations. Affected residents should get “SET” to leave their homes and may choose to voluntarily evacuate. Please note that all vehicles must be off the streets in potential mudflow areas during Yellow Flag alerts.

RED FLAG - Activated with an LA County Phase 2 or 3 forecast. Phase 2 includes moderate debris and mudflows at more widespread locations. Phase 3 - the potential exists for significant debris and mudflows to be widespread. Affected residents should “GO”, meaning they should immediately evacuate, and vehicles should not be parked on the streets.

The City has identified a number of streets that will need to be clear of all vehicles during a Yellow Flag or Red Flag alert. The affected streets are: Mount Wilson Trail, Churchill Rd., Skyland Dr., Fern Glen, Fern Dr., Idlehour Ln., Canyon Crest Dr., Orange Dr., Woodland Dr., Brookside Lane, Sunnyside Lane, Sturtevant Drive, and Yucca Trail. The Yellow and Red Flag Alerts will trigger vehicles being towed from these streets at the owners’ expense.

“NO PARKING” RESTRICTIONS WILL GO INTO EFFECT IF A YELLOW FLAG ALERT IS ISSUED.

Should the City order evacuations, please plan to be as self-sufficient as possible with important paperwork, medications, and clothing for at least seven days. It is important anticipate a possible evacuation order, and make plans for your pets in advance.

Please note that Public Safety Officials do not take evacuation orders lightly and residents should heed these orders. Once mud begins to flow, Emergency Responders will NOT rescue those who failed to evacuate until the mud has stopped flowing and it is safe for responders to enter the mud flow areas.

For more information about mudslide and debris flow preparations, please visit www.cityofsierramadre.com and click “Emergency Preparedness Information” and on the home page. Updates will also be issued on SMTV3 (Time Warner-channel 3), Sierra Madre Community Radio (AM 1630), and the City’s Emergency Blog (http://sierramadrepio.blogspot.com).

Saturday, December 18, 2010

The City of Sierra Madre remains at Green Flag Alert. However, the City is anticipating the possibility of issuing a Yellow Flag Alert for mudslides and debris flows in the hillside communities this evening or Sunday.

GREEN FLAG - Activated under a prediction of 80% - 100% chance of precipitation. Affected residents should get “READY” for potential evacuation. This includes keeping a close watch on weather forecasts.

YELLOW FLAG - Activated with an LA County Phase 1 mudflow forecast, or deemed consistent with the County’s forecast thresholds. This is described as small, isolated debris and mudflows possible at specific locations. Affected residents should get “SET” to leave their homes and may choose to voluntarily evacuate. Please note that all vehicles must be off the streets in potential mudflow areas during Yellow Flag alerts.

RED FLAG - Activated with an LA County Phase 2 or 3 forecast. Phase 2 includes moderate debris and mudflows at more widespread locations. Phase 3 - the potential exists for significant debris and mudflows to be widespread. Affected residents should “GO”, meaning they should immediately evacuate, and vehicles should not be parked on the streets.

The City has identified a number of streets that will need to be clear of all vehicles during a Yellow Flag or Red Flag alert. The affected streets are: Mount Wilson Trail, Churchill Rd., Skyland Dr., Fern Glen, Fern Dr., Idlehour Ln., Canyon Crest Dr., Orange Dr., Woodland Dr., Brookside Lane, Sunnyside Lane, Sturtevant Drive, and Yucca Trail. The Yellow and Red Flag Alerts will trigger vehicles being towed from these streets at the owners’ expense.

“NO PARKING” RESTRICTIONS MAY GO INTO EFFECT THIS WEEKEND.

Should the City order evacuations, please plan to be as self-sufficient as possible with important paperwork, medications, and clothing for at least seven days. It is important anticipate a possible evacuation order, and make plans for your pets in advance.

Please note that Public Safety Officials do not take evacuation orders lightly and residents should heed these orders. Once mud begins to flow, Emergency Responders will NOT rescue those who failed to evacuate until the mud has stopped flowing and it is safe for responders to enter the mud flow areas.

For more information about mudslide and debris flow preparations, please visit www.cityofsierramadre.com and click “Emergency Preparedness Information” and on the home page. Updates will also be issued on SMTV3 (Time Warner-channel 3), Sierra Madre Community Radio (AM 1630), and the City’s Emergency Blog (http://sierramadrepio.blogspot.com).

Friday, December 17, 2010

The City of Sierra Madre anticipates issuing a Yellow Flag Alert for mudslides and debris flows in the hillside communities tomorrow. The County of Los Angeles Department of Public Works has issued a “Phase 1” Mudflow Forecast Alert effective for 6:00pm tomorrow evening. (Saturday, December 18, 2010).

YELLOW FLAG - Activated with an LA County Phase 1 mudflow forecast, or deemed consistent with the County’s forecast thresholds. This is described as small, isolated debris and mudflows possible at specific locations. Affected residents should get “SET” to leave their homes and may choose to voluntarily evacuate. Please note that all vehicles must be off the streets in potential mudflow areas during Yellow Flag alerts.

RED FLAG - Activated with an LA County Phase 2 or 3 forecast. Phase 2 includes moderate debris and mudflows at more widespread locations. Phase 3 - the potential exists for significant debris and mudflows to be widespread. Affected residents should “GO”, meaning they should immediately evacuate, and vehicles should not be parked on the streets.

The City has identified a number of streets that will need to be clear of all vehicles during a Yellow Flag or Red Flag alert. The affected streets are: Mount Wilson Trail, Churchill Rd., Skyland Dr., Fern Glen, Fern Dr., Idlehour Ln., Canyon Crest Dr., Orange Dr., Woodland Dr., Brookside Lane, Sunnyside Lane, Sturtevant Drive, and Yucca Trail. The Yellow and Red Flag Alerts will trigger vehicles being towed from these streets at the owners’ expense.

“NO PARKING” RESTRICTIONS MAY GO INTO EFFECT ON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2010, AT 5:00PM.

Should the City order evacuations, please plan to be as self-sufficient as possible with important paperwork, medications, and clothing for at least seven days. It is important anticipate a possible evacuation order, and make plans for your pets in advance.

Please note that Public Safety Officials do not take evacuation orders lightly and residents should heed these orders. Once mud begins to flow, Emergency Responders will NOT rescue those who failed to evacuate until the mud has stopped flowing and it is safe for responders to enter the mud flow areas.

For more information about mudslide and debris flow preparations, please visit www.cityofsierramadre.com and click “Emergency Preparedness Information” and on the home page. Updates will also be issued on SMTV3 (Time Warner-channel 3), Sierra Madre Community Radio (AM 1630), and the City’s Emergency Blog (http://sierramadrepio.blogspot.com).

The City of Sierra Madre has issued a Green Flag Alert for mudslides and debris flows in the hillside communities. The National Weather Service has forecasted an 90% chance of rain for Saturday, November 20, 2010.

A Green Flag Alert is issued when there is an 80% chance or more of precipitation. Affected residents should get ready for potential evacuation and keep close watch on weather forecasts. This includes residents of the Upper and Lower Canyon as well as any resident whose property abuts the hillsides.

As we enter the rain season, the City would like to make residents aware of our mud and debris flow alert system.

Due to the Santa Anita fire in April of 2008, the hillsides where stripped of much of the vegetation causing the potential for mud and debris flows to enter residential areas. The City of Sierra Madre has developed a three-color flag alert system as part of its ‘Ready for Seven’ emergency preparedness program.

A series of three different colored flags will be flown at four different locations in the City (City Hall, Search and Rescue Station, Mountain Trail at Churchill Road, and Mary’s Market). When possible, flags will be displayed indicating one of three stages of emergency. Be sure to check the website, email alerts, SMTV3, AM 1630, or simply call City Hall or the Police Department to confirm the current stage of emergency and please understand the City may not always have the ability to change these flags the moment conditions or forecasts change.

The City has identified a number of streets that will need to be clear of all vehicles during a Yellow Flag or Red Flag alert. The affected streets are: Mount Wilson Trail, Churchill Rd., Skyland Dr., Fern Glen, Fern Dr., Idlehour Ln., Canyon Crest Dr., Orange Dr., Woodland Dr., Brookside Lane, Sunnyside Lane, and Yucca Trail. The Yellow and Red Flag Alerts will trigger vehicles being towed from these streets at the owners’ expense.

Stage One: GREEN FLAG - Activated under a prediction of 80% - 100% chance of precipitation. Affected residents should get “READY” for potential evacuation. This includes keeping a close watch on weather forecasts.

Stage Two: YELLOW FLAG - Activated with an LA County Phase 1 mudflow forecast, or deemed consistent with the County’s forecast thresholds. This is described as small, isolated debris and mudflows possible at specific locations. Affected residents should get “SET” to leave their homes and may choose to voluntarily evacuate. Please note that all vehicles must be off the streets in potential mudflow areas during Yellow Flag alerts.

Stage Three: RED FLAG - Activated with an LA County Phase 2 or 3 forecast. Phase 2 includes moderate debris and mudflows at more widespread locations. Phase 3 - the potential exists for significant debris and mudflows to be widespread. Affected residents should “GO”, meaning they should immediately evacuate, and vehicles should not be parked on the streets.

When evacuating, please plan to be as self-sufficient as possible with important paperwork, medications, and clothing for at least seven days. It is important anticipate a possible evacuation order, and make plans for your pets in advance. Please note that Public Safety Officials do not take evacuation orders lightly and residents should heed these orders. Once mud begins to flow, Emergency Responders will NOT rescue those who failed to evacuate until the mud has stopped flowing and it is safe for responders to enter the mud flow areas.

For more information about mudslide and debris flow preparations, please visit www.cityofsierramadre.com and click “Emergency Preparedness Information” and on the home page. Updates will also be issued on SMTV3 (Time Warner-channel 3), Sierra Madre Community Radio (AM 1630), and the City’s Emergency Blog (http://sierramadrepio.blogspot.com).